Bali 4.3 Review: The Apartment That Started It All (2026)
The Bali 4.3 is a 13.20 m catamaran built by Catana Group from 2014 to 2021, designed by Xavier Faÿ. It excels as a spacious charter and coastal cruiser with CE Category A certification, but upwind sailing performance is weak. Used prices range from €279,417 to €485,000 as of August 2026, with the bulk of ex-charter boats sitting between €330,000 and €410,000.
13.20 m
LOA
Length Overall
11.30 t
light
Displacement
€279k–€485k
Used Price Range
2014–2021
Production Years
What the Bali 4.3 actually is
The Bali 4.3 is a 13.20 m (43 ft 4 in) sailing catamaran built by Chantier Catana at their Marans/La Rochelle facility, with some charter four-cabin versions built in Tunisia. Naval architect Xavier Faÿ drew the hulls, Olivier Poncin developed the concept, and Hervé Couëdel handled the interior design. The boat debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2014 alongside the Bali 4.5 and remained in production until approximately 2021, when the Bali 4.4 (Open Space) was announced as its replacement.
The defining feature is the flush-deck layout that merges saloon, cockpit, and forward lounge into roughly 30 m² of continuous living space. There is no traditional companionway or step-down between outside and inside. An electrically raised aft bulkhead opens the saloon fully to the cockpit. The result feels more like a floating apartment than a conventional catamaran.
Construction is PVC foam sandwich with polyester resin and anti-osmosis gelcoat. Decks use plywood with monolithic resin layup, and bulkheads are glued or laminated plywood. The rig carries a modest 92.10 m² of upwind sail area: a 54.60 m² square-top mainsail and a 37.20 m² self-tacking Solent jib set on its own track, requiring no winch work to tack. An optional 61 m² gennaker or 96 m² spinnaker fills the gap downwind.
Standard power is twin 40 HP diesels, upgradable to 2 × 50 HP. The Loft version ships with 2 × 55 HP. Under power, expect roughly 8 knots at 2,500 RPM on both engines, or 6 knots running on a single engine. Tank capacity is generous: 800 L fuel and 800 L water.
Layouts come in a four-cabin charter version or a three-cabin owner version, with an optional two-bunk cabin. All versions have four heads. CE certification is Category A (Ocean) for 12 persons.
The case for the Bali 4.3
Living space that punches above its length
At 7.12 m beam and with the flush-deck concept, the 4.3 delivers interior and exterior volume closer to what you'd expect from a 45- or 46-footer from a traditional builder. The forward cockpit, accessible through a full-height glass door in the saloon, adds a second socialising area that most 43-footers simply don't have. For families or charter groups rotating between sun, shade, and galley, the circulation works.
Shallow draft opens anchorages
A 1.20 m draft means you can tuck into bays and behind sand bars that shut out deeper-keeled monohulls and even some rival catamarans. If you plan to cruise the Greek islands, where shallow-entry harbours and tight quays are common, this matters. You can explore berthing options in our guide to the best marinas in Greece from Alimos to Lefkada, but the 4.3's draft lets you skip marinas altogether on many nights.
Charter-proven platform
The 4.3 was heavily represented in major charter fleets, including Dream Yacht. That is a double-edged sword for resale (more on that below), but it also means parts availability, documented service histories, and a worldwide network of yards familiar with the boat. A 2020 ex-Dream Yacht example was still actively marketed as of August 2026.
CE Category A means the paperwork is done
Ocean certification for 12 persons means insurers and flag states treat the boat as bluewater-capable on paper. Whether you'd actually want to cross an ocean in it is a separate question, but the certification removes a regulatory barrier.
✓ Strengths
- •Massive living space for a 43-footer (~30 m² flush deck)
- •Shallow 1.20 m draft opens thin-water anchorages
- •Generous tankage: 800 L fuel + 800 L water
- •Strong charter-fleet support means easy parts sourcing
- •CE Category A — Ocean certified for 12 persons
✕ Trade-offs
- •Weak upwind sailing: ~100° tacking angle, needs engine below Force 3
- •No rub rail — gelcoat damage likely in marina life
- •Large glass panels are a liability in heavy weather
- •High boom makes reefing and sail access difficult
- •Electric aft bulkhead adds maintenance complexity
Weak points and what they cost
Upwind sailing: the elephant in the saloon
The combination of a small square-top main, a self-tacking jib, and a displacement of 11.30 t light (up to 15.50 t loaded) produces a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of roughly 19. That is modest. Tacking angle sits around 100°, meaning you lose nearly half the wind angle a good monohull would use. Below about 8 knots of true wind, roughly Force 3, you will need to start the engines or fly the gennaker.
As owner "yeloya" put it on Cruisers Forum (2020-11-15): "The boat's worst part is the sailing ability which is close to none." Nils, reviewing a 2017 charter hull on noshoes-resoled.com (2019-06-10), wrote: "Pointing the Bali upwind was a bit the same, it just moved from side to side."
If your sailing plans involve regular upwind passages, budget for a gennaker (61 m² optional) or spinnaker (96 m²) from day one. Otherwise, accept that the 4.3 is largely a reach-and-run boat that motors to windward.
Steering feel
Sail Magazine's 2016 test found the steering "springy and imprecise under load," with the helm becoming harder to hold on course to windward. This was noted as a possible installation issue rather than a pure design flaw, but it recurred across multiple test reports. On a pre-purchase survey, have the surveyor check cable tension, rudder bearing play, and hydraulic line condition. Budget €500–€1,500 for a steering overhaul if the cables are original.
No rub rail
Spinsheet's used-boat review noted the absence of a moulded or aftermarket rub rail. Every dock approach risks gelcoat chips along the hull sides. Retrofitting a rub rail on a 43-foot cat is a yard job. Expect €1,000–€2,000 in materials plus labour, varying by region.
High boom and reefing access
The elevated cabin profile pushes the boom high. Reaching the sail, the sail bag, and reefing lines becomes awkward, and troubleshooting reefing-line jams at sea is harder than it should be. Some owners rig lazy-jack upgrades or switch to in-mast furling, but the latter is a major cost item. At minimum, practise your reefing routine in calm conditions before relying on it offshore.
Glass vulnerability offshore
The huge saloon windows flood the interior with light. They also represent a liability in serious weather. Sail Magazine rated the boat coastal rather than truly bluewater partly because of this. If you plan extended offshore passages, price custom storm shutters at roughly €2,000–€4,000 for the set.
Electric aft bulkhead
The signature "garage door" rear wall is polarising. On Cruisers Forum, one poster noted (2017): "Doesn't have that garage door that most seem to not like." The electric mechanism adds a maintenance point. Check the motor, tracks, and seals during survey. A replacement mechanism could run to several thousand euros if the motor fails.
Missing handrails and exposed helm
Both Sail Magazine and Katamarans.com identified a gap in safety rails between the forward saloon roof and the bow cockpit. The flybridge helm station has no builder-supplied weather protection. Budget for aftermarket canvas or a hard dodger (€2,000–€5,000) and additional grab rails (€500–€1,000 installed).
Davit welding quality
Spinsheet noted crude welds on davit hardware. This may be an aftermarket repair rather than factory standard, but inspect carefully. Poor welds on load-bearing components are a safety issue when hoisting a dinghy.
Fiddle rails (or lack thereof)
A Bali 4.0 owner commenting on the noshoes-resoled.com review (2019) observed: "All the horizontal surfaces don't have a skirting, so your plates and glasses are free to fall." The same platform applies to the 4.3. Retrofitting fiddle rails is a straightforward joinery job but tedious to do throughout the boat.
Bali 4.3 vs the obvious alternative
The direct competitor is the Lagoon 42, which overlaps in size, price, and market positioning. Both are charter-fleet staples. Both prioritise living space over sailing purity.
| Attribute | Bali 4.3 | Lagoon 42 |
|---|---|---|
| LOA | 13.20 m | 12.80 m |
| Beam | 7.12 m | 7.70 m |
| Draft | 1.20 m | 1.27 m |
| Light displacement | 11.30 t | ~11.80 t |
| Upwind sail area | 92.10 m² | ~87 m² |
| Flush deck / open plan | Yes | No (traditional companionway) |
| Forward cockpit | Yes (signature feature) | No (foredeck lounge only) |
| Used price band (approx.) | €279k–€485k | €280k–€450k |
Interior Living Space
Upwind Sailing Ability
The Bali wins on interior openness and the forward cockpit concept. The Lagoon counters with slightly more beam-driven stability, a more conventional superstructure with smaller window panels, and better aftermarket support given the brand's larger installed base. If sailing performance matters to you at all, neither boat is ideal for upwind work. The Lagoon 42 holds a slight edge thanks to its more conventional rig geometry.
If the flush-deck lifestyle is the reason you're looking at the Bali, the Lagoon won't replicate it. That single design choice is the real differentiator.
Bali 4.3 price: what the market asks
As of August 2026, the used market for the Bali 4.3 shows an estimated 35–45 unique listings globally across sail and power (4.3 MY) variants combined, with significant overlap between platforms.
BT Market Snapshot
checked August 2026
~50+ globally across platforms (significant overlap); net unique estimated 35–45 sail + power 4.3 MY combined Bali 4.3 listed, asking 279,417–485,000, most between ~330,000 and ~410,000.
| Platform | Listings | Asking |
|---|---|---|
| YachtWorld | 10 (Bali 4.3 sail; +1 Bali 4.3 MY power cat) | USD $356,423–$443,397 (≈ EUR 327k–407k at 1.09 USD/EUR) |
| boats.com | 11 sail + 4 power (4.3 MY) = 16 total model-4.3 | $200k–$500k+ filter range indicated; per-listing prices not retrieved |
| Band of Boats | ≥4 confirmed (2017, 2017, 2019, 2022 hull years) | not shown in retrieved snippet |
| iNautia | 16 | EUR 279,417–485,000 (build years 2017–2021) |
| Boat24 | 9 | EUR 340,000–350,000 (examples seen; 2017–2018 hulls, Croatia) |
| Annonces du Bateau | unknown — 4.3 model page not directly returned | unknown |
Asking prices, not sale prices. Updated with each revision.
| Platform | Listings | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| YachtWorld | 10 sail + 1 power | ~€327,000–€407,000 |
| iNautia | 16 | €279,417–€485,000 |
| Boat24 | 9 | €340,000–€350,000 (examples, 2017–2018 hulls) |
| boats.com | 11 sail + 4 power | Various (filter indicates $200k–$500k+) |
| Band of Boats | ≥4 (2017–2022 hull years) | Prices not disclosed |
| YachtAll | ≥2 (2017–2018 hulls) | €290,000–€330,000 (ex-charter) |
The bulk of the sailing market sits in the €330,000–€415,000 band for 2016–2020 ex-charter boats. The floor of €279,417 (as of August 2026, iNautia) likely represents a high-hour ex-charter unit. The ceiling of €485,000 may include upgraded boats or late-build 4.3 MY power variants. For context, the new Loft version listed at €403,900 excluding VAT from the Croatian dealer during production.
The builder doesn't publish production numbers for the 4.3 specifically. Most boats on the used market are ex-charter, so expect higher engine hours, cosmetic wear on soft furnishings, and replaced standing rigging on older units. An owner-version three-cabin boat with documented private use will command a premium of 10–15% over an equivalent-year charter hull.
What to budget beyond purchase
Who this boat fits / doesn't
Good fit
- Coastal and island-hopping cruisers who motor upwind and sail the reaches. The Greek islands, Croatia, and the Caribbean are the 4.3's natural habitat.
- Families who want living space over sailing thrill. The flush deck, forward cockpit, and four-head layout handle a crew of 6–8 without anyone feeling cramped.
- Charter investors buying into a managed fleet. The boat's track record, parts availability, and guest-friendly layout reduce operational friction.
- Couples stepping up from a 38–40 ft monohull who want more room and stability but don't need bluewater capability.
Poor fit
- Committed sailors who want to feel the wind. If tacking angles and VMG matter to you, look elsewhere. The 4.3 will frustrate you above Force 4 upwind.
- Bluewater passage-makers. The large glass panels, missing handrails, and exposed helm station make extended ocean passages a risk-management exercise, not a pleasure.
- Buyers on a sub-€300,000 budget who expect a turn-key boat. The cheapest listings are high-hour ex-charter hulls that will need immediate investment.
Verdict
The Bali 4.3 is a floating terrace that happens to have a mast. That is not an insult. For the buyer who values deck space, shallow draft, and easy entertaining over pointing ability, it delivers something no traditional catamaran in this size range matches. The flush-deck concept, forward cockpit, and 30 m² of combined living area genuinely change how you use the boat day to day.
Go in with clear eyes, though. Upwind performance is poor, not just "catamaran poor" but genuinely weak, with a tacking angle around 100° and a need for engines below Force 3. The missing rub rail, high boom, and absent handrails are fit-and-finish oversights that cost real money to fix after purchase. Those beautiful glass panels confirm this is a coastal boat, whatever the CE Category A plaque says.
The decision is straightforward. If you plan to motor upwind and sail downwind, if your cruising ground is the Med or the Caribbean, and if living aboard matters more than sailing well, the 4.3 at €330,000–€410,000 is competitive value. If you want to sail the boat, spend your money on a Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 or Lagoon 42 instead.
The Verdict
Choose Buy the Bali 4.3 if coastal cruising space matters more than sailing performance
Best for: Families, charter investors, Mediterranean cruisers
Choose Look elsewhere if upwind sailing or bluewater passages are in your plans
Best for: Performance sailors, ocean passage-makers
Bali 4.3 Used Market Snapshot (2026)
| Years | Typical price (used) | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 2022–2023 | €390,000–€445,000 | Final production years before the 4.4 replaced the 4.3 (Multihulls World reported the 4.4 supersedes the 4.3 from ~2021 onward); later hulls received uprated Yanmar 2 × 57 hp (42 kW) saildrives in place of the original 2 × 40 hp Kubota/Yanmar units — confirm engine spec on any listing; 'garage-door' saloon-cockpit interface mature but hinge seals should be inspected on high-use boats; steering linkage wear noted by surveyors, inspect annually (Spinsheet survey); check YachtWorld listings at ~$356,000–$443,000 USD / Boat24 listings at EUR 390,000–EUR 473,800 (ex-charter, Rimini & Sukusan). |
| 2020–2021 | €370,000–€420,000 | Mid-run hulls; engine transition period — some 2020 boats list 2 × 57 hp, some 2 × 40 hp; Boat24 shows 2020 Rimini listing at EUR 420,000 and 2021 Rimini at EUR 390,000; YachtWorld USD listings in $356,000–$418,000 range (Olbia/BVI/Prosail); PVC foam sandwich/polyester construction — inspect hull join lines in nacelle area; saloon garage door tracks and seals accumulate wear on charter boats by this age. |
| 2018–2019 | €310,000–€380,000 | First full production years after 2018 launch (boat-specs.com confirms built since 2018); Boat24 2019 ex-charter Olbia listed EUR 370,000 'price for quick sale'; original 2 × 40 hp Kubota-sourced saildrives standard on all early hulls — verify hours and impeller/heat-exchanger history; early gelcoat lacked moulded rub rails making hull-side impact damage common (see Hulls.io note on Bali family); check aft crossbeam/sugar scoop integration; anti-osmosis gelcoat spec from factory but osmosis testing recommended on any 6+ year-old hull. |
| 2015–2017 | €240,000–€320,000 | Pre-series and earliest production; Sail Magazine 2016 review noted 'birthing issues' on early production models from Catana's new La Rochelle facility; twin Kubota diesels mated to saildrives — parts supply can be tighter than later Yanmar-engined boats; mast stepped at 40% station with self-tacking Solent jib as standard rig; high-boom/small-mainsail configuration means jib provides significant drive — check forestay, furler, and sheet tracks carefully; flybridge structure and stainless handrail mounting points prone to water ingress on oldest hulls. |
The Bali 4.3 has shown moderate-to-good value retention relative to comparable 42-ft production catamarans: a 2019 ex-charter example lists at ~EUR 370,000 in mid-2025 against an original new price in the EUR 300,000–350,000 range (ex-VAT base), reflecting pandemic-era price inflation that pushed 2019–2021 boats above their original cost. Post-2023 market normalisation has softened asking prices, with EUR 50,000–80,000 reductions appearing on stale listings (Price Drop tags visible on multiple YachtWorld entries), suggesting roughly 20–30% depreciation from peak 2021–2022 valuations for mid-vintage boats.
The 4.3 was heavily marketed into the charter fleet (Dream Yacht, EYM, and private operators in Med and Caribbean) and a substantial share of the used inventory is ex-charter; Boat24 and YachtWorld listings explicitly flag ex-charter status on Italian and BVI boats. Ex-charter 4.3s typically trade EUR 30,000–60,000 below comparable private-use examples of the same year, reflecting higher engine hours, a 4- or 6-cabin layout that may not suit private buyers, and accelerated wear on the saloon garage-door mechanism, cockpit cushions, and electrical systems.
How these prices compare across sizes and types → · Could this boat pay for itself in charter? →
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